Reading were victorious in their first home Women’s Super League game of the season defeating Aston Villa 3-1 at Madejski on Sunday afternoon. First half goals from Amalie Eikeland, Lauren Bruton and Fara Williams were too much for the newly promoted side as the Royals registered their first points of the season.

Kelly Chambers’ side started the stronger and on 24 minutes the Royals took the lead when Norwegian striker Eikeland guided an Angharad James cross into the net.

England’s most capped player, Fara Williams was controlling the game and with the return of Lauren Bruton from injury boosted the Reading attack.

After a spell from the visitors where Diana Silva and former Royal, Emma Follis looked dangerous, Chloe Arthur could only fire over an untroubled Grace Moloney.

Bruton was making her first start in 16 months and had her name back on the scoresheet five minutes before the break. Good work from Emma Mitchell created the opportunity, and Bruton outmuscled her defender to poke home for a 2-0 lead.

Reading continued to cause trouble for the WSL newbies with Jess Fishlock and James having attempts before Danielle Carter was fouled in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Williams stepped up to calmly ‘panenka’ the penalty past Weiss and extend the lead on the stroke of half time.

The second half proved to be one of less action as Reading protected their three-goal lead. As the game past 60 minutes, Eikeland continued to look dangerous and should have had her second. A miss from yards out will frustrate the striker who was arguably the Royals player of the match.

Aston Villa had a goal back on 78 minutes when Mitchell was adjudged to have fouled Villa’s Marisa Ewers. Striker Stine Larsen converted past an outstretched Moloney to make the score 3-1.

The Villains had the ball in the net again on 86 minutes through Shania Hayles only to be penalised for a foul on Rachel Rowe. Carter had a late chance to extend the Royals advantage, but it stayed 3-1 with three important points for Chambers and her Reading side.

Reading: Moloney, Harding ©, Bartrip, Cooper, Mitchell, James, Williams, Fishlock (Rowe 74), Carter, Eikeland, Bruton.

Bench (Unused): Nayler, Leine, Roberts, Woodham, Skeels, Quirk, Harries, Jeon

Goals: Eikeland 24, Bruton 40, Williams 45.